What does 'Detour' mean?
'Deviazione' — de-vya-TSYO-ne. Five syllables; the 'zi' gives a 'ts' sound. Stress on the fourth syllable.
Ask when you see a yellow sign with 'Deviazione' and an arrow that is sending you off your planned route. Detour signs appear near road works, accidents, or closed sections.
'Deviazione' means detour or diversion — from 'deviare' (to deviate). 'Devi-azione' follows the standard Italian noun formation pattern. Yellow signs in Italy are always temporary — for road works or events. White signs are permanent local direction signs.
La deviazione è lunga?
Is the detour long?
Ask for an estimate of the extra distance.
Devo seguire solo i cartelli gialli?
Do I only follow the yellow signs?
Yellow = temporary detour; follow until normal route resumes.
Quando finiscono i lavori?
When do the works finish?
Ask for the end date of the deviation.
Italian road works (cantieri stradali) are extremely common — Italy's aging road infrastructure requires constant maintenance. The yellow detour system is standardised nationally so following yellow arrows always eventually returns you to your original route.